Rome's Flavours — Restaurant in Winter Park

We had to wait 15 minutes for the server to come back to the table to order our food which was frustrating . We have come before and always get the carbonara but today it was cold. 3 of us got it and we could see it sitting at the kitchen window for a few minutes before it came to us and unfortunately it was cold so we asked them if they could just put it back on the pan for a minute to warm it a bit but they couldn’t, they did offer to remake it but it had already taken 30 minutes for the pasta to be made and we were starving since we had been there over an hour waiting. Our other friends food came wrong because they forgot to make it gluten free, he has celiac but luckily asked if the pasta was gluten free so he had to wait for them to re-make it. The server also forgot about our meatballs with the pasta I think as it came 10 minutes after our pasta when we reminded her. The meatballs tasted average but were very small and were $8 per meatball (we had a side of two) so was very pricey for the size. It was just overall very disappointing and we expected a manager to come over and apologize about the multiple inconveniences but they did not. I am adding this additional information after the owners response to my review which was extremely upsetting as now I will not be returning and definitely sharing with others how you treat customers who had a bad experience. I am shocked at the lies being told to me and the other guests I was with who had the exact same experience and got this response back from this restaurant. How are you going to say you offer gluten free options but can't accommodate for people with celiac disease when celiac disease is a gluten allergy? That means you are falsely advertising certain options as gluten FREE when they are not. My friend told the waiter he had a gluten ALLERGY, he does not feel the need to specify that he has celiac as all allergies should be taken seriously and celiac is an allergy to gluten. In my opinion, 30 minutes for pasta is quite a long time to wait to receive food but that is how long I waited the other times I ate at Rome's Flavor and did not mind, I mentioned it because it is frustrating when you wait that long only to receive cold pasta. Other guests who eat here know it takes over 20 minutes to get pasta. Additionally, if you need more details on the initial wait to order our food, the server came over within 5 minutes and was very kind and brought us our waters. After this, we had to wait about 15 minutes for her to return to order wine and food. I can't prove we waited OVER one minute for our food to arrive but I can explain exactly how we landed up waiting: Our gluten free friend's food was brought to the table first, he had a side of chicken so the server just brought his food two items over first, my friend immediately double checked it was gluten free and she said it was not and removed it, she was not our server so she went and tried to see what had gone wrong and figure out where his food was. This took over 2 minutes as she came back and told him they were making his food correctly and then after this ordeal mine and my two friends pasta was brought over. So yes, it sat there for over a minute and got cold, carbonara needs to be served quickly because it can...

This is a prime example … that just because you have a good piece of real estate in Downtown Winter Park, doesn’t mean you provide a great dining experience.

I do want to preface and say that the staff was ever so friendly and kind. We only had to wait 20 minutes for a table, and our waitress was very sweet to us and made us feel very welcome. She recommended the Moscato for us to drink, and it was absolutely delightful.

The outdoor seating had a very nice ambiance.The music and market lighting paired well with the environment, making it feel just like a little Italy.

As we sat inside, I noticed that the lighting was also nice, as it created a warm and welcoming feeling. However, this is where my compliments stop.

Unlike the outside, there wasn’t any background music to muffle out the clinking of silverware and other conversations. I could hear all the swear words from the table across the room, which greatly dampened our anticipated romantic dinner. We were afraid to speak too loudly ourselves in risk that others would hear our conversation as well. There were candles on all the tables, however the were not lit at all which seemed a bit silly, and definitely a lost opportunity for creating a better environment inside.

I was excited to see that the ingredients listed for the Carbonara were true and authentic, with the guanciale, fresh egg, and Grana Padano (similar to Pecorino Romano). The dish came out on very nice natural slate plates, and the flatware had a nice weight to it, albeit not the most formal of designs.

I do not know how to explain the pasta. It had the consistency of thin egg noodles… which made it clump and stick together and taste like paste. The plates, although pretty, did not do the pasta dish any favors. It was difficult to scoop and twist the pasta and sauce together, as the food was just placed on that flat service, making it spill onto the table. A pasta bowl would have been more appropriate. The overall unforgiveable flavor of the noodles made it hard to even taste the little bit of sauce that was sitting on them. The guanciale was perfectly cooked, though I thought there was too much pepper. That might be a personal choice, but traditionally that peppery flavor is reserved for Cacio e Pepe and Pasta alla Gricia, not Carbonara.

The pasta with the alfredo was also the same consistency, though a bit thicker so the sauce could stick to it better. The shrimp add-on was $12 for 3 units of shrimp, which was bit of a sticker shock considering other add-ons were under $5.

Overall, the experience was completely lackluster, and I left wishing I had just stayed home...

Title: A Culinary Delight in the Heart of Rome, sorry, Winter Park Florida

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Rome's Flavour, and I must say that it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the appetizer to the main courses, every dish showcased the true essence of Italian cuisine and left me utterly satisfied.

To begin, we ordered the buffalo mozzarella appetizer with a side of Parma ham. The combination of the creamy mozzarella and the delicate, salty Parma ham was a match made in culinary heaven. The freshness of the ingredients was evident, and the dish was beautifully presented. It set the stage for what was to come—an authentic and memorable dining experience.

For the main course, we opted for the classic Margherita pizza and a salad with steak. The Margherita pizza was a true masterpiece. The thin, crispy crust was the perfect foundation for the rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and generous amount of gooey mozzarella. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and I couldn't help but savor every mouthful.

The salad with steak was equally impressive. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. It was paired with a refreshing salad that featured a variety of crisp, vibrant vegetables. The combination of textures and flavors was delightful, creating a harmonious balance on the plate.

Throughout our meal, the service was impeccable. The staff at Rome's Flavour were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they served. They took the time to ensure that we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Their genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine added to the overall experience and made us feel like valued guests.

Rome's Flavour truly captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition. The attention to detail in both the flavors and presentation of the dishes is commendable. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the outstanding food and exceptional service, creates a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to Rome, I highly recommend Rome's Flavour. It is a gem nestled in the heart of the city, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine that will leave you craving for more. I can't wait for my next visit to indulge in their culinary delights once again.

Note: Please bear in mind that this review reflects my personal experience and taste, and your own experience at Rome's...